Bent under Olympic consideration

It is understood that Bent, Scotland full-back Alan Hutton and Wales central defender James Collins have all been sent letters notifying them they are under consideration by Pearce.

Bent, 28, would only come in for possible selection if he was overlooked by the new England manager for the Euro 2012 finals.

But Collins, 28, and Hutton, 27, do not have such a demanding schedule, with their countries having failed to qualify for the competition in Poland and Ukraine.

Another Scotland international in midfielder Barry Bannan, along with England Under-21 striker Nathan Delfouneso, midfielder Gary Gardner and left-back Nathan Baker, have also received letters from Pearce.

Villa boss Alex McLeish recently said he would not stand in the way of any players called up for the Olympics even though it would impact on his pre-season plans.

He said: "I know everyone is worried about the dates of the Olympics and players being taken out of your squad for the build-up to the new season.

"But how can you deny players that opportunity?"

Pearce has to select an 18-strong squad consisting 15 under-23 players and three over-age players.